The OAD-supported “Starlight Bridges” project will organise A Night Under the Stars on August 17 in Profitis Ilias, Myriki – Karpenissi, Greece.

The project “Community Astrotourism through the ARTEMIS Space Observatory” is turning the pristine night sky of Karpenisi (Bortle scale 3) into a driver for sustainable, locally led development. It targets the region of Karpenisi in Greece which is experiencing a severe demographic and economic crisis. The population has less than one working-age person per retiree. Births have declined dramatically, while schools are closing, youth are leaving, and the local economy is unraveling.

By building a new identity around science, nature, and cultural heritage, the project aims to empower residents, especially youth, women, educators, travel agents, to become astroguides, storytellers, hospitality providers. Astronomy is used not only for outreach and education but will be the foundation to provide long-term income, visibility, and resilience changing the local tourism ecosystem and reverse current situation.

Over the past few months, Starlight Bridges has worked closely with the Karpenisi municipality, running educational workshops to develop sustainable astrotourism models with local stakeholders, training for young people, and building physical and digital infrastructure. The project builds on the legacy of the ARTEMIS Space Observatory, a volunteer-run facility operating since 2014, which continuously offers public outreach, research projects with STEM programs for schools, enabling immersive night-sky experiences to local residents.

For the first time, he saw such a deep sky. So many stars! It was like an endless golden swarm of bees spilled across the heavens, grazing above. Stars here, fewer stars there.. or six stars clustered like a little branch. Could that be the Pleiades?
– Excerpt from the book The High Mountains by Zacharias Papantoniou

Location: Profitis Ilias, Myriki – Karpenissi
August 17, 2026
Start Time: 21:00
Duration: 2 hours

You are invited to a unique astro-tourism evening in the enchanting landscape of Profitis Ilias, far from the city lights.

Observation of one of the clearest skies in Greece
Introduction to constellations and the stories of the sky
An immersive experience accompanied by literary songs

Discover the magic of the star-filled sky, far from the city lights.
Experience moments of relaxation, inspiration, and connection with Nature.